By Wednesday afternoon, eight people were sick with the same Norwalk-type virus symptoms, Elvejord said.

``Since the ship’s at sea we’re asking them to stay in the cabins and we’re bringing them food,″ Elvejord said.

While not considered serious, the virus strikes people with up to two days of diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. It is spread through food and water and close contact with infected people or things they have touched.

A total of 425 passengers and crew members caught the virus during the ship’s last three voyages, company officials said.

Passengers leaving Monday were given a letter notifying them of the virus, but they all decided to board.